After years of working in various fields, including security, hospitality, and even at sea, Jonathan Lomas was ready for a change.
A well-timed advert led him to Courier Exchange, and from there, Jonathan built a business that could keep up with demand, provide excellent service, and grow without the burden of owning an expensive courier fleet.
I wouldn’t have a business if it wasn’t for Courier Exchange,
Jonathan Lomas, Founder, Lomas Logistics
Today, Jonathan runs Lomas Logistics, a courier business moving goods across the UK from his office in South Yorkshire.
Here’s how Lomas Logistics did it
Like many new couriers, Jonathan started by taking subcontracted jobs, including tough delivery routes for Amazon. The long hours and low pay made him look for better opportunities. That’s when he came across a Courier Exchange advert at just the right time.
“Joining CX was incredibly easy,” Jonathan says. Within a week or so he’d landed his first job with Sheffield Speedy Freight— “they’re still a customer to this day.”
At first, it was just Jonathan and his van. As work picked up, he began to expand gradually.
He used Courier Exchange to find reliable courier subcontractors, which allowed him to offer nationwide delivery without needing to own a fleet.
CX helped him find jobs and source owner drivers. By focusing on great service, Jonathan built strong relationships with customers and subcontractors, which helped him grow Lomas Logistics without buying more vans.
“Why would I buy more vans? Vans are expensive and they break down. Instead, I can use other companies’ vehicles and still make a profit.”
Along the way, Jonathan also learned how to run a business from the ground up, gaining valuable insights into accounting, VAT, and the logistics industry.
I learned business from Courier Exchange,
Jonathan Lomas, Founder, Lomas Logistics
“I’d worked in so many other areas before, but there’s a lot you have to learn with accounting, courier VAT, vehicles, you know.”
“I found it a very, very good way, a doable way, a bite-sized way to start a business, and become savvy with everything that a business requires.”
Results
Over time, Lomas Logistics evolved—from life on the road to running a growing operation from his office in South Yorkshire. Today, he works with a trusted network of drivers to move goods across the UK on behalf of his own customers.
5 years
As a CX member
1,669
Positive reviews
Jonathan now relies on CX daily to find the right driver for every job, no matter where it needs to go.
“Our customers can call us and we can move items from their suppliers to wherever they require it to be delivered… I can do it all from my sofa, I can make it happen at any time,” Jonathan explains.
The fleet manager app gives him complete oversight of operations, while the real-time tracking feature keeps customers in the loop every step of the way.
“The fleet manager app is fantastic because you can just do everything. You can manage all the guys. It’s very user friendly – nothing is complicated.”
Jonathan adds, “you can have a complete national distribution system just from your phone, and that’s been incredibly handy. It’d be impossible to do it any other way.”
Conclusion
Looking ahead, Jonathan has plans to expand Lomas Logistics but emphasises, “I don’t have ginormous global dreams. I just like to be proud of what we do.”
For Jonathan, success on the Exchange is all about seizing opportunities when they arise and growing at his own pace.
“It’s a great place to start, a great place to grow. Courier Exchange is always there, and I found I could grow around it when the time was right for me.”
It’s a great place to start, a great place to grow. Courier Exchange is always there, and I found I could grow around it when the time was right for me.
Jonathan Lomas, Founder, Lomas Logistics
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